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EXPLAINED: DRS Unavailability for Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan one-off Test match

Aashay Chopade

ZIM vs AFG Test match (Source:@ZBCNewsonline/X.com)ZIM vs AFG Test match (Source:@ZBCNewsonline/X.com)

Zimbabwe are up against Afghanistan in the off-off Test at the Harare Sports Club. Both the teams do not play Test cricket regularly, and therefore, it is a great opportunity for them to showcase their skills in the longest format.

The home team, Zimbabwe, have won the toss and have decided to field first on a pitch that has some help for the seamers. However, the teams would not be able to challenge the decision of the umpires in case they think it is wrong, as there is no provision of DRS in this Test match. 

DRS too costly for Zimbabwe Cricket Board

The Decision Review System has become a critical aspect of the game, and it helps in reducing the errors from the umpire. In Test cricket, each team is allowed three reviews per innings, but this feature is not available in this Test because of its expensive nature. Approximately, a DRS technology costs $3,00,000 to $5,00,000 for a Test match and with finances being a problem for Zimbabwe Cricket Board, they have decided to not use the technology.

Also, this Test match between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan is not part of the WTC cycle. The two teams are just playing a one-off game, and so, the Zimbabwe board has decided not to waste their already limited financial resources on the expensive DRS system.

Thus, the Test match requires the on-field umpires to be more aware and efficient in their decision-making. The DRS system was first used in the Test series between Sri Lanka and India in 2008, and since then, its use has become common in all three formats of the game. In white-ball formats, the teams are allowed two reviews per innings, and the system is also used in most of the T20 leagues around the world.